It’s finally cooling down, and Hong Kongers are not afraid to go outside anymore. There’s so much to see and do in October, with a long list of events to choose from, despite recent cancellations. It’s time to jump in Victoria Harbour, attend two rockin’ music festivals, wave your flag at a pretty-in-pink LGBT+ fun fest, and a fine arts event. And don’t forget – it’s Halloween time! Have you got your costume yet?

Here’s our round up of the best Hong Kong events taking place this October:

Ink Asia & Fine Art Asia

Ink Asia prides itself on being the world’s first art fair solely dedicated to promoting the appreciation of the unique medium of ink art, which traditionally in China was painted on rice paper. Ink Asia is once again being run alongside Fine Art Asia 2019, the region’s leading international fine art fair, with a collection of treasures that spans 5,000 years.

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Pink Dot

One of the most prominent LGBT+ events in Hong Kong is back, with an exciting free carnival and loads of live music and entertainment, all in support of love, diversity and equality in the S.A.R. The action takes place once again at the scenic West Kowloon Art Park, where there will be three stages with lots of different shows and entertainment. As a bonus, entrance is free!

Shi Fu Miz

When something is nice, best to do it twice, and Shi Fu Miz is back for a second two-day event of music, art, culture and eco-fun this October. Sai Yuen Farm on Cheung Chau Island is a unique venue, and you can stay for a day, or better yet, overnight in one of their geodesic domes to party til the sun comes up.

New World Harbour Race

It’s not every day that thousands of people jump into one of the busiest harbours in the world to compete in a swimming race. The New World Harbour Race takes place in the beautiful Victoria Harbor, where swimmers race from the Tsim Sha Tsui Public Pier to the Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier in Wan Chai, with the incredible Hong Kong skyline as a backdrop.

Lan Kwai Fong Halloween

Halloween may not be part of the Chinese culture, but on October 31 you can bet that there’s one place that’s having the biggest, wildest costume parties this side of the globe: Lan Kwai Fong. There’s lots and lots of foot traffic at this huge street party, so don’t be a party pooper—be sure to dress up and have fun!

Cancellation of major events in October

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival

UPDATEThe annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival has been cancelled for 2019. This fabulous foodie experience has more than 400 booths serving up food and wine from around the world. Even if wine isn’t your tipple, there will be a wide range of drinks including Japanese sake, craft beer, whiskies, cocktails and even coffee. Enjoy wine-pairing meals prepared by some of the region’s top chefs, all accompanied by live music.

National Day Fireworks

UPDATE The National Day fireworks scheduled for October 1, 2019 have been cancelled due to political unrest in Hong Kong. One of Hong Kong’s biggest pyrotechnic displays, the fireworks against the backdrop of the Victoria Harbour skyline is pretty hard to beat. It’s worth battling the crowds to watch the show at the waterfront viewing points, but if the crowds make you nervous, this might be a good opportunity to visit Victoria Peak and watch the fireworks from above.

Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open

UPDATEThe Hong Kong Tennis Open scheduled for October 5–13, 2019 has been cancelled due to political unrest in Hong Kong. If you have bought tickets to this event, vist the HK Tennis Open website for info on how to get a refund.

Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon 2019

UPDATEThe biggest cycling event in Hong Kong has unfortunately been cancelled this year. The Cyclothon is a challenge for both professional and amateur cyclists, with a challenging 50km route that traverses our scenic city. See the excitement of the starting line at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade and watch as cyclists head off to compete for glory. You’ll also find some funky costumes in the Fancy Dress Bike Party.

Rotten Head Festival

UPDATEThis newcomer to Hong Kong’s music and foodie scene has also been cancelled. 2019 would have been the first ever Rotten Head Music & Craft Beer Festival, taking place on Lantau Island. They were bringing in more than 10 local brews from both Lantau and around Hong Kong, including Yardley Brothers, Moonzen and Hong Kong Whistle, plus a line-up of 10 local and overseas bands. Organisers hope to run the event in 2020.

German Bierfest 2019

UPDATEA recent announcement was made that this year’s German Bierfest would be cancelled due to recent unrest in Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s biggest and longest-running German festival takes place every October, complete with frosty beer steins, lederhosen, traditional German cuisine, dancing, and fun games. The Bierfest is held on the gorgeous outdoor patio of the 6th floor of the Marco Polo Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, with views of Victoria Harbor below. German band Die Notenhobler puts on a great performance for the crowds, and don’t miss the daily happy hour specials.

Find out what’s on all year long by visiting our events calendar.

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